Dr. Conrad Murray continues to claim his innocence in the death of iconic performer Michael Jackson. The 60-year-old heart surgeon was released from prison three weeks ago, but has already spoken about the legendary singer and dancer. In a recent interview with The Mail, the doctor shifted blame for the tragic death on the superstar himself. ‘I did not kill Michael Jackson. He was a drug addict. Michael Jackson accidentally killed Michael Jackson,’ Murray said.
Murray was imprisoned for involuntary manslaughter, and served half of his four-year-sentence before being released. Though the doctor began working for the King of Pop in 2006, Murray says that he did not prescribe all the drugs located in Jackson’s system at the time of death. “That night he just couldn’t sleep. I prescribed him drugs to help, including Valium and Lorazepam, but he was begging, pleading, close to tears. I told him, ‘This is not normal. What I’ve given you would put an elephant to sleep’. In the other bedroom, the police found an open bottle of Lorazepam. They found tablets in his stomach. I didn’t give him those. Michael took extra tablets. And he injected himself,” Murray said.
During an April interview with CNN‘s Anderson Cooper, Conrad Murray likened his personal story to a sad, Nat King Cole Christmas song. “He is a little boy that Santa Claus forgot, and goodness knows, he did not want a lot. He wrote a note to Santa for some crayons and a toy. It broke his little heart when he found Santa hadn’t come.” Murray recited before continuing, “In the streets, he envied all the lucky boys, but goodness knows, he didn’t want a lot. I’m so sorry for that laddie who hasn’t got a daddy. He’s a little boy that Santa Claus forgot. That song tells my story. That’s how I grew up. I had no toy. I had nothing. As I grew up, my heart has been whole and my heart says to help, and all I do is to give. I want to give.”
Murray has been vilified in the hearts of many Michael Jackson supporters who continue to mourn the passing of the talented, if not somewhat troubled star. Murray summarized his own views on the dynamics of this relationship that involved a doctor and a celebrity, “I tried to protect him but instead I was brought down with him.”
[Image Via NDN]